First at Fiddler's

Busy, Busy, Busy

2012-02-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Last week was a busy, busy week. We celebrated our 100th day of school. It was a lot of fun!

Figuring out how to seat 20 students at 6 tables and decorate them with 100 balloons for our celebration.

We had to try to think of 100 animals, books, toys, and foods. (We are still working on it.)

Sorting and graphing smarties.

Deciding what we would look like at 100.

What can you make out of a 1, and two 0's?

We also learned about the different types of force and even did an experiment. Your kids are great scientists! We learned that a crumpled piece of paper will fall to the floor before a regular piece of paper because a regular piece of paper has a harder time moving through the air, and that gravity is pulling on them both.

We even took some time to learn about Ground Hog's day, and watched to see the groundhog see his shadow. I guess that means 6 more weeks of winter!

This week we will start our Presidents, and Symbols and Landmarks unit. It will be a lot of fun.

100 Book Club

2012-02-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our newest 100 Book Club Member!

Keep reading!

Force

2012-01-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

This week we will be celebrating our 100th day of school. This is a really fun day for the kids and we have planned a bunch of fun activities for the kids to participate in. I will try to get some pictures to share.

We will also be looking at force and how it affects the world around us. We are even going to conduct an experiment or two to investigate this.

Valentine's Day is coming up quickly. I will send a list home with the names of the students in our class when it gets closer.

Thank you for letting me teach your kids, the are really great kids.

100 Book Club Member!

2012-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our first 100 book club member!

Great job!

More Matter

2012-01-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

Last week we learned about how matter can change. We learned about chemical and physical changes. Ask your child what we did to show both of those changes. We will be wrapping up matter this week.

We also spent time this week learning how to use the SmartBoard. I am really excited to find more ways for the kids to use it each day!

I am also looking for ways to incorporate the new math core into our curriculum now. Part of that is asking the kids to do a lot more on their own, with tasks that may seem challenging. I know that each child can be successful with this new way at looking at math, and I am excited to see how they grow as students.

Thanks for allowing me to teach your child, it is a rewarding experience each day!

How SMART are we?

2012-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the completely installed Smart Board! We have used it several times today. The kids are learning how to drag items from one place to another and even wrote their names. It is a little trickier than we expected, but so far it has been wonderful! I can't wait until the kids can start using it independently. We are so lucky. Thank you Fiddler's PTA!

Matter

2012-01-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

This past week we investigated all sorts of matter: liquids, solids, and gasses. This week we will continue our investigations and learn why each type of matter acts the way it does.

On a side note, I ran into school today to grab something for one of my sons and was greeted by this:

We are sooooo lucky to have a Smartboard in our classroom. It will add another dimension to everything that we do. Mrs. Griffiths and I have worked hard to have some things ready for the day when the boards were installed. That day came a little quicker than we expected, but we aren't complaining! I will take a better picture tomorrow (I just had my cellphone this afternoon) of the completed installation. I am soooooo excited! Thank you Fiddler's PTA!

Matter

2012-01-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

For the next couple of weeks we will be studying the different states of matter. Today we learned about liquids by creating a liquid that seems like a solid.

The kids were really intrigued by our experiment, so I told them I would put the instructions here for you to try.

Goo
Solution A
1 cup water
1 cup white glue

Solution B
1 1/3 cup warm water
4 TBS borax

Pour solution A into Solution B and knead 4-5 times. When you pull your goo out of the water it will be really slimy. It will become more firm as it sets.

Ask your first grader why this solution is a liquid and not a solid!

New Year

2011-12-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

It is time for 2011 to end and 2012 to begin. I can't believe we are almost halfway through the school year. Your children are growing and learning a lot. It has been a great year so far. I hope you have had a restful holiday and are ready for school to start again. (I know I am ready to send my own children back to school).

This week we will learn what a resolution is, make a few resolutions, and learn about winter. I have a lot of fun things planned. It will be a lot of fun, I can't wait!

We are S.M.A.R.T!

2011-12-12T10:21:00.001-08:00

Jillyn Fullmer, our PTA president, visited our classroom to inform me that as soon as they can get the electrician here our classroom will be getting one of these:

It may look like an ordinary whiteboard, but this whiteboard is an interactive whiteboard. With this your students will be able to interact with any electronic file that is projected on it, including online games, and files that I create.

I am so thankful that the PTA decided to let our class get one. It is all thanks to all that you do to support the fundraising efforts of the PTA. Please continue to support their efforts so each class can get one.

Animal Reports

2011-12-09T15:00:00.001-08:00

The kids have been working hard on gathering information for their animal reports that they will be sharing with the class next week. I am excited to see what they have learned.

A note will be coming home mid next week sometime, but we will be having our annual first grade holiday celebration on the Friday before we leave for the break. Along with that celebration your child is invited to wear their pajamas to school (I am). It will be a lot of fun!

On a side note, our first grade team has been awarded a grant to purchase four ipads (one for each teacher). We are quite excited. Your child will have an opportunity to use them after the break, since I will be spending a part of the break looking for appropriate "free" apps, since the grant only covered the ipads themselves. Even with the free apps, the addition of this bit of technology will be a big help. Thanks to the Iron County School District Foundation and Mr. Moyle for making it possible.

Aren't we lucky?

Compare and Contrast

2011-12-04T09:50:00.001-08:00

We had a fun week reading many of the different gingerbread stories available. We looked at what was the same and what was different about each. We also made gingerbread houses and sorted them by even and odd numbers. Our gingerbread experiments turned out different than we expected, and most of our class eats gingerbread men by eating the leg first.

This coming week we will break into small groups to gather information for an animal report, and present those to the class next week.

Weather and Now and Then

2011-11-26T15:46:00.001-08:00

We have had a great time the past couple of weeks finishing up our weather unit. We learned a lot of new weather words and learned about the three main types of clouds. Hopefully your child showed you all of the hard work they have done.

We compared the life of a pilgrim boy and girl to what our lives are like now. We learned a lot about how differently kids lived a long time ago.

Water Cycle and Clouds

2011-11-11T13:52:00.001-08:00

We have had a great week learning about the water cycle and clouds. Ask your child to tell you the parts of the water cycle and what the 3 main types of clouds are.

Here are some pictures of what we have done so far this year.

Here is our apple graph from SEP week.

Mr. Tannen taught us about voice.

Monster family glyph.

The bus garage taught us about bus safety.

Pumpkin Investigations

Pumpkin patch field trip.

Domino's Pizza demonstration.


Smokey the Bear taught us about fire safety.

Wow! We have been super busy. This is only a small sampling of what we have accomplished so far. You should be proud of your students.

Fall

2011-11-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

We had a great week learning why we have seasons. We also worked on a Fall writing project. I'm pretty impressed at how they turned out. I can't wait until you see them!

Spiders

2011-10-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

We had a great time learning about spiders last week. Ask your child if a spider is an insect or not and why.

We also were lucky enough to have a pizza party from Domino's last week thanks to your generosity! It was a lot of fun. Along with that Domino's came in and showed the kids how pizza was made. They each got a chance to feel some dough and feel the cornmeal they use to help keep the dough from sticking. Then we were treated to another slice of pizza!

What a great week we had!

Pumpkins

2011-10-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great time studying pumpkins last week. It was even more fun to go to the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin. A big thank you to the PTA for buying them. We were able to do many investigations with them in class the next day. I was going to post some pictures, but I managed to leave my SD card reader at school. Watch for them, I promise I will post them.

Red Ribbon Week is this week. Tuesday is Crazy Socks/Shoes day. Wednesday is Crazy Hair/Mismatched Clothes. Thursday is Pajama Day (please make sure your child will still be able to participate in school activities). Friday is School Colors Day and a Drug Dog assembly. It should be a great week.

Our Pizza Party from Domino's is tomorrow afternoon. Thank you for all of your support! We are also lucky enough to watch a presentation from Domino's about how pizzas are made on Thursday. I feel really lucky to have such great parents.

Monday is our Halloween Party. I will let you know details when I get them.

SEP Week

2011-10-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

I had a great time visiting with all of you this past week. I enjoyed letting you see what your child has been working so hard on the past month or so. We truly work hard each day.

This week our theme is families. Last week each child was sent home with a set of leaves and a note. They need to be sent back to school on or before Thursday October 13. Your child will need it to complete the assignment for the day.

Also, I neglected to send home the spelling homework packet on Friday, I will send it home on Monday.

Jumpstart's Read for the Record

2011-10-06T15:47:00.001-07:00

Today our class participated in Jumpstart's Read for the Record.

This year's book was "llama, llama red pajama" by Anna Dwedney. It was fun to be part of such a large undertaking. I really enjoyed sharing this book with the kids. It is so lyrical, and each kid can easily connect with baby llama. Think about adding this book to your home library.

Get your copy here.

Donor's Choose

2011-10-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

I just found out that my iPod touch grant qualifies for matching donations from Century Link. Check it out!

Donor's Choose

That means for every dollar donated Century Link will match it. It would be great to have one (or more) in our classroom.

SEP Week

2011-10-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a great week exploring and learning about apples. We will be wrapping up our apple activities this week.

Don't forget your child's SEP appointment this week. I am looking forward to meeting with you and your child. School dismisses each day at 2:30 INCLUDING Wednesday.

Community

2011-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

This week we created a community helper chart. The students matched the name of the job and the picture of the job. Figured out what each job did and the location where they worked. Then we were able to connect what we learned about goods and services from last week and decided whether each job provided a service or a good. We also worked all week on writing a paragraph about the types of jobs they would like to have. I can't wait to share them with you.

Along with talking about the different jobs in our community, the students also created their own community. They were supposed to pick at least one type of housing and two businesses. It was really interesting to see how individualized they all were. I think you will be proud of the work they have done.

Apples!

2011-09-21T19:19:00.001-07:00

Next week we are going to do an apple investigation. Please send an apple to school with your child by September 29th.

Needs and Wants

2011-09-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

This week we learned the differences between a need and a want, as well as the difference between a good and a service.

Due to some health problems Ms. Kastanes has had to postpone completion of her student teaching at this time. We created cards for her on Friday. We wish her the best.

Safety

2011-09-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

This past week we talked about how to be safe at home and at school.

The PTA's walk-a-thon is this week. If your child hasn't brought back the manila folder yet, the PTA is accepting them until Thursday. This is their biggest fundraiser of the year. They are working on adding to the technology available in the classroom. Thanks to them we have projectors, document cameras, and laptops to run them. I am excited to see what is next on the horizon. Please support them if you can, it benefits the kids.

The spelling packets weren't copied until at the end of the school day on Friday, so I will send them home on Monday. They will be due on Friday.

Please remember that math homework is due the following day, and spelling packets are due on Friday. I will be entering homework scores starting this week.

Donor's Choose

2011-09-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

We are in desperate need for an ipod for use in our Listening Center. The current mp3 players we have don't work very well, and are very hard for the kids to use. I have applied to get an iPod Touch through Donor's Choose. You can check out the project here. If you are able to donate thanks a bunch!

Good Citizens

2011-09-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

This past week we have been learning about what a good citizen is and what a good citizen does. We made giant thank you cards (thanks to Ms. Kastanes) and delivered them to people who do things for us at school. Then, we picked garbage up from the second grade playground (because that's what good citizens do).

Our DIBELS testing went well. I will be sending home your child's individual information home this week (hopefully).

First Week

2011-08-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

What a great first week!

We have been busy working hard on learning our behavior levels, and started spelling and handwriting practice. We also spent the week learning about what it takes to be a first grader and met a lot of new friends.

I would also like to make you aware that we will have a teacher canidate with us for the next month or so. So, if your child refers to their "other teacher" her name is Ms. Kastanes. She will do a great job.

This coming week we will be learning all about what makes a good citizen and how to be one. We also have our Dibels testing on Thursday. Please make sure that your child gets a good night's rest and eats a good breakfast.

Welcome!

2011-08-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

It is time for another school year, and I am excited. This is where you will find most of the information that you need to know about what we are doing in our class. Please check it often.

Antonyms 2011

2011-04-25T09:31:00.001-07:00

I finally finished our antonym slide show. The kids did a great job taking the pictures. Enjoy!

table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff">Customize a photo slideshow

Fun!

2011-04-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

The past couple of weeks we have had a LOT of fun.

We have looked at synonyms...

We planted seeds....

Checked out soil....

Observed plants...

Investigated worms....

Checked out seeds...

And even made glasses to help us remember "oo" as in look!

Shadow Hunt

2011-03-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

This free digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

Here are the results of our shadow hunt! We had a great time.

What a Week!

2011-03-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

The ducklings were so much fun. The kids have enjoyed observing them. They did a great job with their observations. Unfortunately our chick eggs never hatched, but Mrs. S. Griffiths was kind enough to share their chicks with us.

We also learned some facts about the sun and even went on a shadow hunt. Thanks to the moms that came to supervise, we couldn't have done it without you!

We also played the antonym concentration game that the kids made, and even started our own antonym photo book. Thanks to the moms who came to help, we couldn't have done it without you!

New Arrival

2011-03-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

The kids were excited to discover that the "white box" that arrived yesterday was an incubator for duck and chick eggs. I didn't expect any eggs to hatch until tomorrow. Despite the awful weather, we now have 2 new ducklings with two more trying to hatch right now! The chicks will be soon behind. The kids were really excited to watch the process.

Week Peek

2011-03-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

We have had a bunch of fun things happening in first grade the past couple weeks.

We measured using our feet, and a foot (ruler).

We frosted fractional portions of "cupcakes."

We even learned about the phases of the moon. Yummy!

Newsletter, March 18, 2011

2011-03-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

To save some time, I am going to cut back on the amount of typing involved with our class newsletter. Please check the sidebars of the blog for our class' most vital information (spelling words, important dates, etc.) I want to use the "blog" portion to give you a peek into what we really have been doing in the classroom. I hope it will be enjoyable.

Decorah Eagles

2011-03-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

We have been watching a pair of eagles at their nest at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/decorah-eagles .They have 3 eggs. They are supposed to hatch about March 30th. I have been priviledged to see the parents switch places. It has been fasincating to watch. I have also started watching some barn owls in California in the evenings that I found at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!

Newsletter, March 11

2011-03-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Theme: Sun and Moon

Important Dates: 3/15 Spring Picture Day; 3/18 End of 3rd Quarter; 4/4 March Reading Calendars Due; 4/20-4/22 Spring Break NO SCHOOL

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Addition Facts: Adding 9; P.E.
Tuesday: Identifying One Half, One Third and One Sixth; Art
Wednesday: Using Comparison Symbols (<,>,=); Early Out
Thursday: Dividing a Set of Objects by Sharing; P.E.
Friday: Identifying Cup, Quart, Gallon, and Liter Containers; Math Homework; Spelling Test; Spelling Packets Due; Library; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
best, long, off, over, small, were, sit, together
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

The "Moon Book" has started to go home with our students. The book just arrived. It will start coming home on Monday, please read it with your child.

I would like to do a shadow project on Wednesday (3/16) at 11:15, but I need some additional 3-4 adults to help. If you can help, please let me know as soon as possible.

I am going to start changing the look of the blog. Hopefully it will be easier for me to keep it going.

Spring SEPs

2011-03-07T15:20:00.000-08:00

It is SEP week here. I am excited to meet with all of my students and their parents. While waiting for an appointment, I looked up and this is what I saw.

Only here would it SNOW during our SPRING SEPs!

Dr. Seuss Week

2011-03-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

We had a great time celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday. We had a read-a-thon with the rest of the first grade in the hall. We even got to choose where we sat. It was fun to see our friends from the other classes.

We even read "The Foot Book" to learn about antoynms. We traced our feet and wrote words and drew pictures that were opposites.

It was a lot of fun! Thanks Dr. Seuss.

Newsletter, March 4

2011-03-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

Theme: SEPs (out at 2:30, all week)

Important Dates: 3/7-3/11 SEP Conferences (out at 2:30 all week); 3/15 Spring Picture Day; Domino's Pizza Fundraiser; 3/18 End of 3rd Quarter

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Subtracting a Number 10
Tuesday: Identifying Dozen and Half Dozen
Wednesday: Ordering Events by Time
Thursday: Estimating and Measuring Distance Using Feet; Creating a Measuring Tool
Friday: Math Test; Identifying One-, Five, Ten- and Twenty-Dollar Bills; Writing Money Amounts Using a Dollar Bill Sign; Spelling Test; Spelling Packets Due; Library; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
would, new, made, into, write, got, going, stop
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

I need to start a take home class project, but a book I need hasn't came in yet. I would like to know who has internet access at their home, or would be willing to go to the library. That way I can use this resource until (if) the book comes. Please either email me, or send me a note. Thanks.

Newsletter, February 25, 2011

2011-02-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Theme: Spring

Important Dates: 3/2 February Reading Calendars Due; 3/2 Dr. Seuss Read-a-Thon; 3/4 February Reading Incentive Party; 3/7-3/11 SEP Conferences (out at 2:30 all week); 3/15 Spring Picture Day; Domino's Pizza Fundraiser; 3/18 End of 3rd Quarter

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Counting Nickels; P.E.
Tuesday: Counting Nickels and Pennies; Art
Wednesday: Ordering Events by Time; Early Out
Thursday: Subtraction Facts: Subtracting a Number from 10; P.E.
Friday: Math Test; Making an Organized List to Solve a Problem; Spelling Test; Spelling Packets Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
came, his, ask, found, fall, draw, ate, out
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

I won't be here the next two Fridays (2/25 or 3/4). I will send their spelling packets and weekly notes home on the following Monday. Thanks

Please remember that our Library day is on Fridays. There are a lot of students that haven't been bringing their books back, and haven't been able to get a new one.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes. Students also need to keep reading each night regardless of when in the month the goal is met.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, February 18, 2011

2011-02-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

Theme: US Symbols

Important Dates: 2/21 NO SCHOOL; 3/2 February Reading Calendars Due; 3/2 Dr. Seuss Read-a-Thon; 3/7-3/11 SEP Conferences (out at 2:30 all week); 3/15 Spring Picture Day

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: Addition Facts: Sums of 10; Art
Wednesday: Drawing Congruent Shapes and Designs; Early Out
Thursday: Measuring and Drawing Line Segments to the Nearest Inch;
Friday: Math Test; Estimating and Measuring Length Using Nonstandard Units, Comparing the Size of the Unit and the Number of Units Used to Measure and Object; Spelling Test; Spelling Packets Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
once, gave, around, was eat, tell, our, think
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

Please remember that our Library day is on Fridays. There are a lot of students that haven't been bringing their books back, and haven't been able to get a new one.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes. Students also need to keep reading each night regardless of when in the month the goal is met.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, February 11, 2011

2011-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Theme: US Symbols

Important Dates: 2/14 Valentine's Day Party; 2/18 Kid's College; 2/21 NO SCHOOL; 3/2 February Reading Calendars Due; 3/2 Dr. Seuss Read-a-Thon; 3/7-3/11 SEP Conferences (out at 2:30 all week); 3/15 Spring Picture Day

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Adding 10 to a Number; P.E.
Tuesday: Comparing and Ordering Numbers to 100; Art
Wednesday: Addition Facts: Sums of 10, Identifying a Missing Addend; P.E.
Friday: Math Test; Estimating and Measuring Length Using Nonstandard Units, Comparing the Size of the Unit and the Number of Units Used to Measure and Object; Spelling Test; Spelling Packets Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

SUU's Elementary Block students will be visiting us next week. They will be taking over some of the teaching, so if you child talks about a new teacher you will know why. It should be a great week!

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes. Students also need to keep reading each night regardless of when in the month the goal is met.

The PTA is making one last push to sell yearbooks. I have a list of those students who have purchased a yearbook, and have sent home a note to those who haven't. Call the school (586-2860) if you have any questions.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, February 4, 2011

2011-02-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

Theme: Maps

Important Dates: 2/10 Domino's Pizza Fundraiser; 2/14 Valentine's Day Party; 2/18 Kid's College; 2/21 NO SCHOOL; 3/2 February Reading Calendars Due; 3/7-3/11 SEP Conferences (out at 2:30 all week)

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Adding Two-Digit Numbers with Regrouping Using Dimes and Pennies; P.E.
Tuesday: Telling Time to the Half Hour; Art
Wednesday: Dividing a Shape into Fourths, Coloring Halves and Fourths; Early Out
Thursday: Adding 10 to a Number; P.E.
Friday: Math Homework; Fact Test; counting by 10's from a Single Digit Number; Spelling Test; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
don't, had, them, some, very, by, old, went
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes. Students also need to keep reading each night regardless of when in the month the goal is met.

The PTA is making one last push to sell yearbooks. I have a list of those students who have purchased a yearbook, and have sent home a note to those who haven't. Call the school (586-2860) if you have any questions.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter January 28, 2011

2011-01-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Theme: Weather & Symbols

Important Dates: 1/31 100th Day of School; 2/1 January Reading Calendar Due; 2/9 School Reading Incentive Party; 2/10 Domino's Pizza Fundraiser; 2/18 Kid's College; 2/21 NO SCHOOL

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Hundredth Day of School; P.E.
Tuesday: Identifying and Making Congruent Shapes; Art
Wednesday: Counting Large Collections, Grouping by 10's; Early Out
Thursday: Using Concrete and Pictorial Models to Represent Two Digit Numbers, Identifying the Place Value of Digits in a Two Digit Number; Fact Test; P.E.
Friday: Math Test; Trading Dimes and Pennies; Spelling Test; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
drink, far, walk, could, take, has, laugh, of
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes. Students also need to keep reading each night regardless of when in the month the goal is met.

On Monday I will be sending home a note concerning our Valentine's Day celebrations. Please watch for it.

Many students did NOT return their 100's Day bag. Please send it on Monday.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, January 21, 2011

2011-01-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Theme: Matter & Weather

Important Dates: 1/31 100th Day of School; 2/1 January Reading Calendar Due; 2/9 School Reading Incentive Party; 2/10 Domino's Pizza Fundraiser; 2/18 Kid's College; 2/21 NO SCHOOL

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Addition Facts: Doubles Plus 1 Facts; P.E.
Tuesday: Addition Facts: Doubles Plus 1 Facts; Art
Wednesday: Addition Facts: Doubles Plus 1 Facts; Fact Test; Early Out
Thursday: Adding Two-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping; P.E.
Friday: Math Test; Guessing and Checking to Solve a Problem, Acting It Out to Solve a Problem; Spelling Test; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
why, upon, fast, please, down, for, him, her
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

I have noticed that many students aren't bringing their homework back regularly. Please remember that math homework is due the day after it comes home and the spelling packes are due a week after it comes home.

Keep collecting the "Box Tops for Education." Each label helps our school.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, Jan 18, 2011

2011-01-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

Theme: Matter

Important Dates: 1/19 Jan Book Order Due; 1/31 100th Day of School; 2/1 January Reading Calendar Due; 2/9 School Reading Incentive Party

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: Adding Two Digit Numbers without Regrouping Using Dimes and Pennies; Fact Test; Art
Wednesday: Addition Facts: Showing Doubles Plus 1 Facts; Early Out
Thursday: Addition Facts: Identifying Doubles Plus 1 Facts; P.E.
Friday: Math Test; Estimating and Measuring Area Using Nonstandard Units; Combining Geometric Shapes to Make New Geometric Shapes; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
REVIEW of past spelling words
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

I have noticed that many students aren't bringing their homework back regularly. Please remember that math homework is due the day after it comes home and the spelling packes are due a week after it comes home.

Keep collecting the "Box Tops for Education." Each label helps our school.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, January 7, 2011

2011-01-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Theme: Matter

Important Dates: 1/13 Domino's Pizza Fundraiser; 1/14 DIBELs Testing; 1/17 NO SCHOOL; 1/19 Jan Book Order Due; 1/31 100th Day of School; 2/1 January Reading Calendar Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Using a Ruler to Draw a Line Segment; P.E.
Tuesday: Sorting Common Objects; Art
Wednesday: Adding Two Digit Numbers Without Regrouping Using Dimes and Pennies; Early Out
Thursday: Adding Two Digit Numbers Without Regrouping Using Dimes and Pennies; P.E.; Domino's Pizza Fundraiser
Friday: DIBELs; Drawing a Picture to Solve a Problem; Spelling Test; Spelling Packet Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
sleep, they, up, as, use, give, how, Saturday*
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:
We will be doing our Winter DIBELs testing on Friday. Please make sure that your child is well rested and eats a good breakfast that morning.

Keep collecting the "Box Tops for Education." Each label helps our school.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, December 10

2010-12-09T07:13:00.001-08:00

Theme: Celebrations

Important Dates: 12/20-12/31 NO SCHOOL, 1/3 December Reading Calendars Due, 1/14 DIBELs Testing; 1/19 Jan Book Order Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Writing Numbers 0-10 Using Words; P.E.
Tuesday: Identifying Pairs; Art
Wednesday: Graphing Pieces Used to Cover a Design; Fact Test; Early Out
Thursday: Writing Money Amounts Using the Cent Symbol; Paying for Items Using Dimes and Pennies; P.E.
Friday: Spelling Test; Spelling Packet and Sentences Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
orange, black, purple, white, blue, pink, red, brown, green, yellow
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:
Please have your child write 2 sentences instead of one this week. They need to be related in some way. ie "I have a dog. His name is Max."

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Newsletter, December 3, 2010

2010-12-05T13:58:00.000-08:00

Theme: Movement and Motion & Celebrations

Important Dates: 12/ 9 Domino's Pizza Fundraiser, 12/20-12/31 NO SCHOOL, 1/3 December Reading Calendars Due, 1/14 DIBELs Testing

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Adding 2 to an Odd Number; P.E.
Tuesday: Covering a Design with Pattern Blocks, Sorting, Counting, and Recording the Pattern Blocks used to Cover a Design; Fact Test; Art
Wednesday: Addition Facts: Adding 2; Early Out
Thursday: Comparing and Ordering Objects by Length Using Nonstandard Measurements; P.E.
Friday: Looking for a Pattern to Solve a Problem; Math Test; Spelling Test; Spelling Packet and Sentences Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
friend, where, get, it, be, put, at, Thursday*
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:
Please have your child write 2 sentences instead of one this week. They need to be related in some way. ie "I have a dog. His name is Max."

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes.

There are still students coming to school not dressed appropriately for the weather. PLEASE send your child with a COAT. Mr. Whittier likes for the students to be outside for recess if at all possible, even when it is cold outside. They need the break with the fresh air and sunshine! It helps them be ready to learn. If they are cold because they don't have a coat, they are miserable.

Fun Website

2010-11-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

I just found this website by accident. It has a lot of fun activities and stories to read to your child. Enjoy! Meddybemps

Newsletter, November 23, 2010

2010-11-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

Theme: Movement and Motion

Important Dates: 11/24-11/26 NO SCHOOL, 12/1 December Reading Calendars Due, 12/2 Santa Shop, 12/ 9 Domino's Pizza Party, 12/20-12/31 NO SCHOOL, 1/14 DIBELs Testing

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Drawing a Line of Symmetry; Fact Test; P.E.
Tuesday: Identifying Even and Odd Numbers; Art
Wednesday: Numbering a Clockface; Showing Time to the Hour on a Clock; Early Out
Thursday: Adding 2 to an Even Number; P.E.
Friday: Estimating and Measuring the Capacity of Containers Using Nonstandard Units; Math Test; Spelling Test; Spelling Packet and Sentences Due; Library; Computers; Spirit Day

Spelling Words:
hot, when, your, go, look, say, that, Wednesday*
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:
Please have your child write 2 sentences instead of one this week. They need to be related in some way. ie "I have a dog. His name is Max."

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes. PLEASE READ EACH WEEKDAY OF THE HOLIDAY, that way your child will still earn 400 minutes and be able to attend the reading incentive party.

The December Book Orders are due Wednesday December 1. If our class has a $40 order on the Holiday Gifts order, we will have a chance to win an ipad. We won't be the first in the school anymore (4th grade received a grant for one), but it would still be a great addition to our classroom. This order SHOULD be here before the Christmas break, if you would like to give any books as a gift, just let me know. I'm great a keeping secrets.

With the weather getting colder, please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Mr. Whittier feels strongly that the students need to spend as much time outside during recesses as possible, even if it is cold outside.

Line of Symmetry

2010-11-22T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today for math we learned about symmetry, and I showed the kids a cool site that teaches symmetry. We weren't able to finish the lesson, so I told them I would post the link here for them to finish it if they would like. They might need a small amount of help with the instructions, but it is pretty self explanatory. If you would like to have your child learn more about symmetry go to: Links Learning. There is also another fun site, Hael Media, where students can practice making shapes with symmetry. Enjoy!

Read for the Record

2010-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

I just got an email that finally told me the number of students that read "The Snowy Day" on the same day. It is kind of cool to know that we added 21 students to that number. Please go to Read for the Record for more information.

Newsletter, November 19, 2010

2010-11-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Theme: Then and Now

Important Dates: 11/24-26 NO SCHOOL, 12/1 December Reading Calendars Due, 1/14 DIBELs Testing

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Creating a Line of Symmetry; P.E.
Tuesday: Giving Thanks; Art
Wednesday: NO SCHOOL
Thursday: NO SCHOOL
Friday: NO SCHOOL

Spelling Words: review of past weeks

Miscellaneous:
Please have your child write 2 sentences instead of one this week. They need to be related in some way. ie "I have a dog. His name is Max."

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes

The December Book Orders are due Wednesday December 1. If our class has a $40 order on the Holiday Gifts order, we will have a chance to win an ipad. We won't be the first in the school anymore (4th grade received a grant for one), but it would still be a great addition to our classroom. This order SHOULD be here before the Christmas break, if you would like to give any books as a gift, just let me know. I'm great a keeping secrets.

With the weather getting colder, please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Mr. Whittier feels strongly that the students need to spend as much time outside during recesses as possible, even if it is cold outside.

Newsletter, Novemember 12, 2010

2010-11-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Theme: Changes Over Time

Important Dates: 11/17 November Book Orders Due, 11/24-26 NO SCHOOL, 12/1 December Reading Calendars Due, 12/10 DIBELs Testing

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Estimating the Capacity of Containers, Ordering Containers by Capacity, Identifying a 1 Cup Liquid Measure; P.E.
Tuesday: Identifying the Even Numbers to 20; Art
Wednesday: Identifying and Locating Numbers on a Hundred Number Chart; Early Out
Thursday: Counting Dimes and Pennies; P.E.
Friday: Spelling Packet & Sentences Due; Math Test; Drawing a Picture to Solve a Problem; Spelling Test; Computers; Library; Spirit Day

Spelling Words: review of past weeks.
any, have, read, did, or, good, too, Tuesday*
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:
Please have your child write 2 sentences instead of one this week. They need to be related in some way. ie "I have a dog. His name is Max."

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes

The November Book Orders are due Wednesday November 17. If our class has a $40 order on the Holiday Gifts order, we will have a chance to win an ipad. We won't be the first in the school anymore (4th grade received a grant for one), but it would still be a great addition to our classroom.

With the weather getting colder, please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Mr. Whittier feels strongly that the students need to spend as much time outside during recesses as possible, even if it is cold outside.

Newsletter, November 5, 2010

2010-11-04T06:44:00.001-07:00

Theme: Rocks

Important Dates: 11/8 McDonald's Fundraiser, 11/10 Domino's Fundraiser, 11/17 November Book Orders Due, 11/24-26 NO SCHOOL, 12/1 December Reading Calendars Due, 12/10 DIBELs Testing

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Counting Dimes; P.E.
Tuesday: Counting by 2's; Art
Wednesday: Telling Time to the Hour; Early Out
Thursday: Subtraction Facts: Subtracting 0 and Subtracting a Number from Itself; P.E.
Friday: Spelling Packet & Sentences Due; Math Test; Identifying Identical Designs; Spelling Test; Computers; Library; Spirit Day

Spelling Words: review of past weeks.
on, this, ran, can't, keep, if, Monday*
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes. Each month needs to have a total of 400 minutes

We had a great time at the Wizard of Oz. You should be proud of your child. They were very respectful of the students performing and were silent walking in their halls to not disturb the other students while they were in class. (They did a better job that some fifth graders!) Make sure to tell them they were a great audience.

With the weather getting colder, please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Mr. Whittier feels strongly that the students need to spend as much time outside during recesses as possible, even if it is cold outside.

Newsletter, October 29, 2010

2010-10-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Theme: Rocks

Important Dates: 11/1 October Reading Calendars Due, 11/4 Reading Incentive Party (for those students with 400 minutes), 11/17 November Book Orders Due, 11/24-26 NO SCHOOL, 12/1 December Reading Calendars Due, 12/10 DIBELs Testing

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Addition Facts: Adding 0; P.E.
Tuesday: Covering a Design in Different Ways; Art
Wednesday: Wizard of Oz Field Trip; Counting by 10's to 100; Early Out
Thursday: Subtraction Facts: Subtracting 1; P.E.
Friday: Spelling Packet & Sentences Due; Fact Test; Identifying Identical Designs; Spelling Test; Computers; Spirit Day (wear read, black, white, or gray)

Spelling Words: review of past weeks.
help, ride, work, find, there, Sunday*
*bonus word

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

I only had a few students turn in the 5 sentences last week (again). Please work on that this week. It is helping a whole lot. Thank you to those of you that worked on them with your child and sent them back to school. If students continue to not bring their sentence booklets back, I will have to start assigning points to them. The students who do bring them back are making progress in their ability to tell what a sentence is.

Newsletter, October 20, 2010

2010-10-19T06:58:00.001-07:00

Theme: Pumpkins

Important Dates: 10/25 Harvest Holiday (NO SCHOOL), 10/22 Oct Book Orders Due, 10/26 Red Ribbon Week10/29 Halloween Party, 11/1 October Reading Calendars Due, 11/1 Reading Incentive Party (for those students with 400 minutes)

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: Sorting Items and Creating a Graph; Art
Wednesday: Weighing Objects Using Nonstandard Units; Early Out
Thursday: Fact Test; Finding a Sum by Counting On; Making and Reading a Bar Graph; P.E.
Friday: Using Logical Reasoning to Solve a Problem; Math Test; Spelling Test; Computers; Spirit Day (wear read, black, white, or gray)

Spelling Words: review of past weeks.
Spelling homework is a review of past week's words. I have provided a copy of all the words in a "flash card" form so you can help your child with the last two pages of the homework. Use the cards as traditional "flash cards" as well.

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

Mr. Whittier is going to allow the students to wear their Halloween costumes to school on the 29th. Please make sure that they follow the guidelines you received either by note or email from him. If you have any questions, please contact the school.

I only had a few students turn in the 5 sentences last week. Please work on that this week. It is helping a whole lot. Thank you to those of you that worked on them with your child and sent them back to school.

Newsletter, October 15, 2010

2010-10-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Theme: Pumpkins

Important Dates: 10/18-10-20 Walk Safe Week, 10/21-10/22 Fall Recess (NO SCHOOL), 10/25 Harvest Holiday (NO SCHOOL), 10/22 Oct Book Orders Due, 10/26 Red Ribbon Week10/29 Halloween Party, 11/1 October Reading Calendars Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Addition Facts: Adding 1; P.E.
Tuesday: Addition Facts: Adding 1; Art
Wednesday: Estimating and Measuring Length Using Nonstandard Units: Math Test; Early Out
Thursday: NO SCHOOL
Friday: NO SCHOOL

Spelling Words: none

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

Mr. Whittier is going to allow the students to wear their Halloween costumes to school on the 29th. Please make sure that they follow the guidelines you received either by note or email from him. If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Newsletter, October 8, 2010

2010-10-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Theme: Pumpkins

Important Dates: 10/14 Domino's Pizza Fundraiser, 10/15 Pumpkin Patch Field Trip, 10/18-10-20 Walk Safe Week, 10/21-10/22 Fall Recess (NO SCHOOL), 10/25 Harvest Holiday (NO SCHOOL), 10/22 Oct Book Orders Due, 10/20 Halloween Party, 11/1 October Reading Calendars Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Ordering Numbers to 20; P.E.
Tuesday: Writing Number Sentences for "Some, Some Went Away" Stories; Art
Wednesday: Counting Backward fro 10 to 1, Adding 1 to a Number; Early Out
Thursday: Identifying: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, and Night: Fact Test; Spelling Test; P.E.
Friday: Pumpkin Patch Field Trip; Computers; Spirit Day (wear your school colors)

Spelling Words: in, come, said, let, house, no

Miscellaneous:

Thank you for the help with the "silly bands." (I just learned what they are called.) They have stopped being such a disruption.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

Thank you ALL for coming in to visit with me during SEP's. I enjoyed visiting with you.

Read for the Record

2010-10-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Today we have the opportunity to help break a world record. We are going to read the same book as thousands of kids from all across the United States. The book we will be reading is "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats. It is a fun way to encourage children to read. I will let you know how many other students participated when I get the number.

If you would like more information go to: http://www.readfortherecord.org/site/PageServer

Newsletter October 1, 2010

2010-10-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Theme: Maps/Columbus

Important Dates: 10/4 - 8 SEPs (out at 2:30 each day); 10/15 Pumpkin Patch Field Trip, 10/22 Oct Book Orders Due, 10/20 Halloween Party, 11/1 October Reading Calendars Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Addition Facts: Doubles with Sums to 18
Tuesday: Identifying Lighter and Heavier Using a Balance
Wednesday: Addition Facts: Doubles with Sums to 18
Thursday: Covering Designs with Pattern Blocks
Friday: Looking for a Pattern to Solve a Problem; Math Test; Spelling Test

Spelling Words: jump, see, call, my, what, us

Miscellaneous:

The stretchy rubber bands that the kids are wearing are starting to become a distraction. I will warn them once; the next time I will take it away. Please talk to your kids about this. Thanks.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

Starting October 11, I will need 1 volunteer each day to come and help in our classroom: Mon, Tues, &Thurs, at 2:15. If you would like to come, please let me know. I have only had one volunteer contact me about helping, I still need at least 3 more.

Check your child's homework folder each night. There is generally something for them to work on. Remind them to turn it in when they get to school.

Online Math Games

2010-09-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a place to go online to have your child practice their math facts. Academic Skill Builders has several different math concepts that can be practiced, against other kids OR privately. The games were designed to work with an interactive whiteboard, but from what I can tell they can be played on your computer at home. As with all online activities, monitor your child to help keep them safe.

Newsletter, September 25, 2010

2010-09-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

Theme: One of a Kind

Important Dates: 10/1 September Reading Calendars Due, 10/4 - 8 SEPs (out at 2:30 each day); 10/15 Pumpkin Patch Field Trip, 10/22 Oct Book Orders Due, 11/1 October Reading Calendars Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Identifying a Rectangle, Identifying the Number of Sides and Angles of a Rectangle; P.E.
Tuesday: Writing Number Sentences for "Some, Some More" Stories, Creating Addition Problem Situations; Art
Wednesday: Creating and Reading a Repeating Pattern; Early Out (dismiss at 1:30)
Thursday: Addition Facts: Doubles with Sums to 18; P.E.
Friday: Identifying the Attributes of Pattern Blocks; Math Test; Spelling Test; Computers; Library

Spelling Words: pretty, am, me, make, will

Miscellaneous:

Coming home in your child's homework folder today will be two additional papers that need to be returned to school. 1- Field Trip Permission Slip, 2- Personal Narrative Planning Sheet. Please send both back to school as soon as possible.

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

Starting October 11, I will need 1 volunteer each day to come and help in our classroom: Mon, Tues, &Thurs, at 2:15. If you would like to come, please let me know. I have only had one volunteer contact me about helping, I still need at least 3 more.

Check your child's homework folder each night. There is generally something for them to work on. Remind them to turn it in when they get to school.

Newsletter, September 17, 2010

2010-09-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

Theme: One of a Kind

Important Dates: 9/22 Hearing Screening, 10/1 September Reading Calendars Due, 10/22 Oct Book Orders Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Counting from 0 to 23; P.E.
Tuesday: Writing Addition Number Sentences, Representing Equivalent Forms of the Same Number; Art
Wednesday: Identifying Ordinal Position to Sixth; Early Out (dismiss at 1:30)
Thursday: Addition Facts: Doubles with Sums to 0; P.E.
Friday: Making an Organized List to Solve a Problem; Math Test; Spelling Test; Computers; Library

Spelling Words: funny, are, he, she, with

Miscellaneous:

Don't forget to read each night for 20 minutes.

Thank you to all of you that ordered books from the book order. It is a great way for you to get books in your home and books into our classroom.

Starting October 11, I will need 1 volunteer each day to come and help in our classroom: Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri at 2:15. If you would like to come, please let me know.

Check your child's homework folder each night. There is generally something for them to work on. Remind them to turn it in when they get to school.

Newsletter, September 10, 2010

2010-09-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Theme: One of a Kind

Important Dates: 9/14 Book Orders Due, 9/14 Dibels Testing, 9/16 Walk-a-Thon, 9/17 Vision Screening, 10/1 September Reading Calendars Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Counting Pennies; P.E.
Tuesday: Identifying a Number Between Two Numbers; Art
Wednesday: Dividing a Solid in Half; Early Out (dismiss at 1:30)
Thursday: Picturing and Combining Sets, Graphing a Picture on a Pictograph; P.E.
Friday: Sorting by One Attribute; Math Test; Spelling Test; Computers; Library

Spelling Words: little, big, is, all, here

Miscellaneous:

Reading calendars for September are now in your child's homework folder. Each child needs to read for 400 minutes a month. That is only 20 minutes a night, 5 days a week.

The PTA is collecting clean Capri Sun pouches as part of their fundraising efforts to help get updated technology into the classrooms. Send them to school along with your Lin's receipts and your box tops.

Check your child's homework folder each night. There is generally something for them to work on. Remind them to turn it in when they get to school.

Newsletter, September 3, 2010

2010-09-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Theme: One of a Kind

Important Dates: 9/10 Walk-a-Thon Packets Due, 9/14 Book Orders Due, 9/16 Walk-a-Thon, 9/17 Vision Screening, 10/1 September Reading Packets Due

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: NO SCHOOL
Tuesday: Identifying: Morning, Afternoon, First, Last, Between, Middle, Second, and Third; Art
Wednesday: Identifying a Triangle, the Number of Sides and Angles of a Triangle, Sorting by One Attribute; Early Out (dismiss at 1:30)
Thursday: Making a Shape on a Geoboard; P.E.
Friday: Acting Out and Drawing Pictures for Some, Some More and Some, Some Went Away Stories; Math Test; Computers; Spelling Test; Library

Spelling Words: the, not, you, do, want

Miscellaneous:
Our annual Walk-a-Thon is coming up. The PTA has prepared packets for each child. This is a great way to raise money for our school. The PTA is working hard to get some new technology into the classrooms. Please support this effort is possible.

The PTA also collects the "Box Tops for Education." Send them with your child; we have a jar in our classroom to collect them in.

Lin's also donates money to the school based on the amount of Lin's receipts that are turned in. Write your child's name on the back, and turn it in to the office. Each week the office draws from that box for prizes.

Reading calendars for September are now in your child's homework folder. Each child needs to read for 400 minutes a month. That is only 20 minutes a night, 5 days a week.

Newsletter, August 27, 2010

2010-08-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Theme: One of a Kind

Important Dates: 9/2- Picture Day, 9/6- Labor Day (No School)

Peek at Next Week:
Monday: Writing the Numbers 0, 6, 8, and 9; P.E.
Tuesday: Ordering Sets from Smallest to Largest; Art; Assembly
Wednesday: Matching a Number to a Set; Early Out (dismiss at 1:30)
Thursday: Identifying: Morning, Afternoon, First, Last, Between, Middle, Second, and Third; P.E.
Friday: Identifying the Steps in the Problem Solving Process; Math Test; Computers; Spelling Test; Library

Spelling Words: like, cat, to, and, dog

Miscellaneous:
We have had a great first week.

Please check your child's homework folder each night. Take out papers in the stay home side, and help your child complete their homework.

Spelling homework comes home each Friday and is due the Following Friday.

Reading calendars for September are now in your child's homework folder.

Sight word lists have been sent home. Please read through these each night until your child can read them automatically. They should be able to instantly recognize the word without sounding it out.

Newsletter, August 23, 2010

2010-08-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Theme: Class Building

Important Dates: 9/2- Picture Day, 9/6- Labor Day (No School)

Peek at the Week:
Monday: Writing the Numbers 1, 4, and 5; P.E.
Tuesday: Making Towers for the Numbers 1-9, Ordering the Numbers 0-9; Art.
Wednesday: Placing an Object on a Graph; Early Out (dismiss at 1:30)
Thursday: Identifying a Circle and Square; P.E.
Friday: Graphing a Picture on a Pictograph; Computers; Spelling Test

Spelling Words: we, can, run, play, a, I

Miscellaneous:
Newsletters will normally come home on Friday, please watch for our next one this Friday.

Math homework will come home everyday of the week EXCEPT for most Fridays. This past Friday and the coming Fridays are exceptions. It needs to be returned to school each day. It will seem really easy right now, but it will get harder.

Spelling homework came home this past Friday (8/20), it is due this Friday (8/27). Our first spelling test is this Friday.

Back to School

2010-08-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how quickly the summer has gone!

I am really looking forward to meeting you at Back to School Night. At Back to School Night, I get to show you our classroom, let you find some important things in our classroom, share some important information with your parents, and answer any questions you might have.

Speakaboos

2010-07-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Speakaboos is a fun site where your child can listen to and watch stories being read to them online. They have even just released a version in Spanish. They also have a summer reading program, so check it out.

What should I read next?

2010-07-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you finish a great book, you feel somewhat let down. You want the journey to continue. Go to Book Seer, type in the name AND author of the book you just finished and a list of recommended titles from Amazon and Library Thing will show up on your screen. What a great way to keep reading! Enjoy!

Success in First Grade

2010-07-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

I came across a post on the Internet today 10 Tips for First Grade Success. It has some really good ideas on things to do to help your first grader to succeed in transitioning from kindergarten to first grade. There are some big adjustments that your child needs to make to be successful in first grade. Check it out.

Summer Reading Tips

2010-07-13T18:55:00.000-07:00

I just found this online article with tips and ideas of ways to read in the summer here at The Children's Book Review - Summer Reading Tips. The book mentioned in the article I haven't seen, but I am extremely curious to see what it says. The video at the bottom is worth watching. The classic picture books Pam Allyn chooses are some of my personal ones and the new ones look like they are worth finding. Enjoy!

Math is Fun

2010-05-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a math website to help enhance what we have been learning at school, or as a way to fill in some "I'm bored" time (why not fill it with something educational?) Have fun!

Math is Fun

Just Right Books

2010-05-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Reading Rockets has an article that has some helps on how to help your child choose a good fit book.

A child needs to be reading a book independently with 99% accuracy to increase their fluency and comprehension skills. 99% may seem like the book is easy for them to read, but if they are frustrated when they are reading (90% accuracy) they will become disheartened and might not want to even try to read.

Zoodles

2010-05-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Zoodles is a great online website with grade appropriate games for your child where you have control of what they play. Many of their games are academic in nature.

Summer Reading Helps

2010-05-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting article with some ideas to help you read with your child during the summer months from The Children's Book Review. When my kids were little, it was hard to find ways to motivate them to read during the summer months. I am going to try some of these suggestions with my own children this summer, even though they are "grown."

The Children's Book Review also has a listing of recommended books to read by age level, category, and a showcase of authors. A great resource for busy families.

Summer reading can be a great way to spend time with your kids. Happy reading!

Imagination Soup

2010-05-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

I just discovered this fun blog: Imagination Soup. There are many great things on this site, but my favorite is the Top 7 1/2 Summer Books to Read for Kids post (there is a reason for the 1/2, read to find the post to find out why). What a fun way to start the summer off! Maybe you and your child can sit down together and make your own list of books they would like to read throughout the summer. I know I have a growing list of my own.

Happy Reading!

Scholastic Summer Reading Program

2010-05-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

I finally went through my last book order for the 2009-2010 school year from Scholastic, and was given a few fliers for the Student Summer Reading Challenge. After checking it out online I would like to try it out with my own class. I am going to send a flyer home with all of my students during the last week of the school year. Here is the link to get started: Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.

I remember spending my summers during my early elementary years reading voraciously to earn a cheeseburger from McDonald's through our local library's summer reading program. I thought it was the coolest thing. Maybe that is why I love reading, and teaching others to read. Thanks to my mom for the support and encouragement to earn those cheeseburgers. I'm sure that it couldn't have been easy to keep returning to the library for more books or cheeseburger certificates.

Scholastic Book Search

2010-05-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Scholastic has created a great way for you to determine if the books they are reading at home are a "Good Fit Book." Just type the name of the book you are wondering about in the widget found at the bottom of this page and it will redirect you to the Scholastic web site. In the top right hand corner of the page make sure you select the "Guided Reading Level" radial button and then click set. If Scholastic has that book in their system, it will tell you the guided reading level of that particular book.

Our goal is to have all our first graders reading at an "G" by January, and an "I" or "J" reading level by the end of first grade. I would be happy to share with you your child's reading level at school to help you in your endeavors.